Combining vacation and competition proved to be the winning combination for Yvonne Barteau and KYB Dressage at Dressage By the Bay, the kick-off to the six-week Horse Shows By the Bay Series. In addition to numerous honors garnered by KYB Dressage clients, the weekend highlight was Barteau’s win on GP Raymeister in the $1,500 FEI Grand Prix Musical Freestyle with a score of 71.500%.
 
GP Raymeister, owned by GP Equestrian/Gina Frantz and the defending champion from the 2011 Dressage By the Bay season, was awarded top honors in front of judges Lois Yukins and Lorraine Stubbs. Kim Barteau, Yvonne’s husband, and daughter Kayla, also proved successful in two featured events of the competition, taking ribbons in the $1,000 FEI Intermediaire I Musical Freestyle and the FEI JR Rider Musical Freestyle, respectively.

The Dressage by the Bay Series, hosted at Flintfields Horse Park in Traverse City, Michigan (June 22-24), attracted more than 500 spectators over three days of competition. In near perfect weather conditions, fans overwhelmingly applauded the musical freestyles–the obvious crowd favorite.
 
As is customary for the Horse Shows By the Bay Series, support for local and statewide charitable endeavors are a highlight. A private exhibitor fundraiser, sponsored by Hampton Green Farm, raised more than $3,500 from proceeds of the party and admission at the gate. Then, 100% of the proceeds were dedicated to the Michigan Horse Welfare Coalition, a non-profit organization dedicated to assist Michigan horses in need.

Dressage by the Bay is the first leg of the six-week 2012 Horse Shows by the Bay Equestrian Festival. The Series continues with four weeks of hunter/jumper competition (July 4-29) and concludes with Reiners By the Bay (August 3-5).
 
For more information on the Horse Shows By the Bay Series, please visit www.horseshowsbythebay.com.